I realize this must be such a newbie question it was probably asked and answerd in 2008 and I just cannot find it. I am composing a few songs and I have been exploring the best styles to go with each.
However, while I understand the theory behind realtracks, I always seem to pick a style that is either not available or, at some point 3 of the 4 instruments simply stop playing. From that point on I am lost. Even saving the song before that point doesn't always return me to the base song I saved (as an example, I have a song now with 3 Bass channels, one in melody one in soloist and one in Bass. The first two are empty, but I am unable to make them go away. Not to mention that invariably, when I go save a song I get a yellow alert sayng "Realtrack #xx is not available". Is there even a log where I can see that in the song, so should I really, really need it I can choose to buy it and not end up with the wrong set? Do I have to take screenshots?
In any case, this is what I would like to do:
1) Display and audition only the Realstyles I own. Yes, I know I can display N/A in front of the ones I don't have. I don't want to see them at all. Should I want to, I'd like the ability to display them but on a regular basis I don't want to see styles I don't own.
2) I'd like the same thing for regular styles. In fact, I am having a hard time displaying regular styles the way I was used to in BIAB 2008. I don't mind MIDI based styles. In fact, except for drums and the odd instrument, eventually I am going to record my own part in Studio One anyway.
3) Drums, realdrums… Let's say I find a style I like but I want the drums to have a bit different rhythm. How do I do that? Again, I love the sound a realdrum, but if I don't own it, it's no good to me, unless PG Music is going to start selling them A La Carte.
I totally see why PG Music puts the not owned RealStyles in among the choices. It's useful for the artist that absolutely needs to have that style and PG music gets to sell a pack. Unfortunately, I have a budget and while my BIAB is not the bottom of the barrel, I know I am missing a lot of nice styles. Tough luck for me.
While I am on topic, I find the purchasing of add on a bit confusing. I know I can check what I have and what I am missing from the HELP menu. Apparently I have all the Styles Disks and all the Soloist disks, except that I am constantly getting alerts that say I don't have this or that. At the very least, I'd like to understand the logic behind it.
Thank you. I did find that, and I did set it up the way you have it, but then after choosing a style and saving the song, I got "Style #xx is missing, etc. etc." which I found confusing. Wasn't the entire style that was missing, but one of the instruments. Is it possible something went wrong in the install?
Also, I had styles from back in 2008 (The last version I purchased. Maybe those are the ones throwing an error?
Thank you though. At least now I know there isn't a secret handshake for that.
Question: How come even after choosing to display only owned RT I still see the majority of tracks with N/A in the list? Also, each time I try a style of the song I am working on, invariably I get a notice that some RT instrument is missing.
First, when you have the Style Picker window open, do a Rebuild, Slow, Yes.
Second, is this computer running a newer version of BIAB? I ask because in 2018 PG Music changed the location of files, which may account for your 2008 files missing. There is a Cleanup utility you can run that cannot hurt and may help. Look in the Help menu, Utilities, Run Cleanup Routine. Look for a bunch of lines that say File Count 0.
However, RealDrums were introduced in 2008 and RealTracks not until 2009, I think, plus no such thing yet as RealStyles, so that may not matter. But it will still help us if you give us more detail about what you have.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
The things proposed by Matt Finley and VideoTrack SHOULD have taken care of this - if it isn't filtering properly still, that is curious.
What exact version of Band-in-a-Box is this? Win or Mac, and what year version? And if you go to your 'About Band-in-a-Box' window, what's the 3 digit number in brackets? This will be the build you are running - maybe there's an update you are due for that would fix this up.
Question: How come even after choosing to display only owned RT I still see the majority of tracks with N/A in the list?
To answer this question specifically, it is because as can be seen in your screenshot, you haven't selected to only show Styles with RealTracks that are found. I.E. it's possible to have a style (.STY) and not necessarily have all of the RealTracks that it calls for. You can, if you want, load in one of these styles and find the best substitute that you DO have. Right-click on the track | Select RealTracks | Find Best Sub... If you wanted to get all of the RealTracks, then an UltraPAK upgrade is the best route.
I have BIAB 2020 (717) MEGAPACK for Windows that I bought about a month ago. I did own BIAB 2008 and at some point I had purchased a few other things from PG Music, but I have having issue remembering what I had for lunch, who knows what I did in the past 13 years? So I have been trying to have at least one computer (the one I am on now) where only BIAB 2020 is installed (Although I have old stuff saved in a backup external disk, so I hope BIAB doesn't search the whole machine). I have added a few old songs I had from back in the day, but that should not be an issue.
Considering how long it has been since I worked with BIAB, I think I am doing OK as far as output, but the Realtracks, realdrum and loops, while easy to understand concepts, are confusing me in practice when it comes to using them in practice. I always seem to find a style that's a beer short of a six pack.
I just cleared the search, rebuilt all the styles and I took a screenshot of that.
I assume that [RT n/a] is something I don't own? Maybe I am misunderstanding that. Could it mean the style exist just not in RT?
I also noticed there are two menu items that say "Show only styles that are FOUND". Clicking on either only highlights the top one and there is no change in the list (that I can see).
My objective is simply to see the styles (or realTracks?) I own or I may have added/downloaded (if there is such a thing) and not tracks that are not going to work.
I also would like to only see midi styles, but I think I know how to do that. The tools are pretty self explanatory.
I hope the new screenshot helps, but I am ready to admit I could be clueless.
Thank you. I think I am getting closer to a solution. While I love realtracks, short of owning the Audiophile edition, I think it may turn out to be an exercise in futility. Since in my own songs I intend to play many of the parts myself (to various degrees of ability and digital cheating), they are not absolutely necessary.
In fact, I was looking at updating my BIAB collection, but I'll leave that for a separate thread.
The difference in RealTracks between MegaPak and Ultrapak is significant - 500 versus 2900(!). I'm a new BiaB user - a little over a month, and bought the starter kit (aka ProPak) not knowing anything about RealTracks. Within a couple of days I was sold on them so did the upgrade, and haven't regretted it. IMHO their usefullness may depend upon the styles of music you are creating - for me the jazz guitars, bass, and drums are priceless.
I don't think there's a difference in number of RealTracks between Ultrapak and Audiophile, just the higher quality audio files. I've read a mix of opinions on whether that difference can typically be heard.
I do find the upgrade paths a little confusing for someone like me who wants to incrementally upgrade over a period of a month or two - being a new user it takes a while to understand the power here. I went from Pro to UltraPak for the same total cost as if I had purchased Ultrapak initially. But as I understand from talking to the sales chat , if I wanted to upgrade from Ultrapak to Audiophile it would cost $469, versus the $200 difference between what I have and Audiophile.
Last edited by cwiggins999; 05/27/2011:40 AM.
Chuck Wiggins
BIAB 2023 Win UltraPak, Cakewalk, Windows 10 Pro Custom AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core, Focusrite Scarlett 4x4 interface
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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